Major water meter renewal program to roll out next week

Published on 22 August 2018

IMG_4454.jpg

More than 3,000 water meters will be replaced across properties in South Rockhampton from next week as part of a joint program by Fitzroy River Water (FRW) and Rockhampton Regional Council.

Works will commence in the Athelstane Range area from August 27, and will include areas either side of Agnes Street between Bellevue and Bowen Terrace.

Council’s Water Committee Chair, Councillor Neil Fisher, said the renewal program totalled around $300,000, funded under FRW’s Capital Works Program.

“In many parts of Rockhampton and Gracemere, a large portion of water meters are now approaching the end of their useful life - with up to 80% being more than ten years old, and some more than 15 years old,” Cr Fisher said.

“This project will see the renewal of thousands of water meters in the Range area beginning next week, with further renewal programs to follow for other parts of the Region.

“The works will also replace any old plumbing associated with the meter, which effectively will save both time and costs - as they become more prone to leaks and failures if not replaced.

“Residents in the areas of works will be notified via a letter box drop, with as little disruption to normal water supply as possible during these works.”

FRW Manager, Jason Plumb, said although small in size, water meters play a critical role in ensuring the best possible service to residents.

“Water meters are an important way of making sure the supplied volume of drinking water is accurately measured so that customers know how much water they use and to ensure that customers are being billed correctly.  

“The recently published Queensland Urban Potable Water and Sewerage Benchmarking Report showed that out of 13 large regional water service providers, Rockhampton had the cheapest Typical Annual Residential Bill for Water and Sewerage. This project will help to ensure that FRW remains a low cost and high quality water service provider for the community.”

Works are expected to be completed by June 2019, with further renewal programs to follow.